Brand Focus

Earlier this year in February it was announced that Arkema has acquired Bostik, which is one of the top four adhesive and sealant producers in the world. In 1889 Bostik began as the Boston Blacking Company in Massachusetts, specialising in the shoe industry and shoe adhesives. Since then it has been bought and sold by the United Shoe Machinery Company (1929), Emhart, Black & Decker (1990) and Total (1990). As a result of the merger of Total Fina and Elf Aquitaine, and their two adhesive companies, Bostik and Ato Findley, Bostik Findley was formed in 2001. After a rebrand in October 2004, Bostik became the official name.

Bostik in Focus

Founded in 1889

Based in Paris, France

Presence in 40+ countries

Develop and supply a range of smart adhesives and sealants

Committed to their “Green in Motion” campaign to reduce their environmental footprint by eliminating their usage of hazardous substances and minimising environmental impact.

Also manufacture popular household adhesives, such as Blu-tac, Super Glue, Sticki Dots and PVA glues.

Bostik Products on Tile Fix Direct

Tile Fix Direct stocks many of the leading Bostik adhesives, including:

Bostik Gripfill

Bostik Gripfill is an adhesive developed to bond almost any surface, including uneven surfaces. It is suitable for internal and external use, provided when used externally the bond is covered.

Bostik Vitri-Flex

Available in white and grey, Bostik Vitri-Flex Rapid adhesive is ideal for use with concrete, cement screeds, WBP plywood and other substrates, and takes just 2 hours to set. It is suitable for fixing most types of stone and tiles (porous and non-porous).

Bostik Stone Flex Rapid

Suitable for both interior and exterior use Bostik Stone Flex Rapid can be used with most substrates. It is ideal for use with porcelain and ceramic tiles, natural stone, terrazzo and concrete tiles. This adhesive has an average setting time of 2-3 hours, and once set is able to withstand limited vibration or movement, and occasional wetting.

See the full range of Bostik products available to order online at Tile Fix Direct.

RUBI began it’s life in Spain in 1951, when the Boada brothers invented a manual tile cutter for hydraulic mosaic work. This new tool proved extremely popular and even won a diploma of honour and the gold medal at the first national exhibition of inventions, held in Barcelona in 1953. The tool was christened ‘RUBI’ and was the first in a long line of tiling and construction tools. RUBI now designs, manufactures and distributes these tools from their headquarters in Spain, which also includes a showroom, museum and an area exclusively dedicated to training.

RUBI in Focus

Founded in 1951

Based in Spain

Products are distributed and sold in over 140 countries worldwide

Design, manufacture and distribute machinery and tools for the construction industry, specialising in tile laying equipment

Created the RUBI® Technology Center to expand the business’ capacity to succeed in different areas of research

Launched Club RUBI® to keep professionals up to date with the ongoing expansion of their product range

Manual tile cutters all have a 5 year warranty

RUBI Products on Tile Fix Direct

Tile Fix Direct stock a great range of products from RUBI including manual tile cutters, gloves, masks, drill bits and replacement wheels for tile cutters. Browse the full range of RUBI products available to order from Tile Fix Direct.

RUBI Manual Tile Cutters

RUBI tile cutters are widely used due to their great quality and ease of use. Tile Fix Direct stocks several RUBI tile cutters including the TS40, which has chromed and rectified steel guides, with anti-corrosion treatment and can cut tiles up to 43cm. For tiles up to 66cm, use the TS60 Plus which has an ergonomic shape and reinforced base.

RUBI Tungsten Wheels

RUBI tungsten wheels are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for use with TS and TR tile cutters. These are suitable for sharp cuttings of hard ceramics and are made with high technology RUBI alloy which offers maximum precision and resistance to wear.

Check out the full range of RUBI products available to order online at Tile Fix Direct.

When Anthony Robb, owner of Wellington Tile Company, was importing terracotta in the 1980s he spotted a gap in the market. He wanted to give the stone an antique finish, so went home and created his own sealer in a cement mixer. Inspired by the ‘lionheart’ terracotta he was sealing, the brand was named Lionheart Terracotta Products, or LTP for short. The LTP range of cleaning and sealing products are now sold in over 700 tile, stone, fireplace and DIY showrooms across the UK.

LTP in Focus

Founded in 1984

Based in South West England

Manufacture a range of low odour, water based sealers and cleaners for long lasting protection for all tiled surfaces

Member of the Stone Federation of Great Britain and are part of the RIBA accredited CPD providers network

Have their own research and development department which enables them to adapt products to meet changing flooring specifications and legislation

LTP Products on Tile Fix Direct

LTP Mattstone H2O

LTP Mattstone H2O is a water based impregnating sealer suitable for use with all types of natural stone, quarry, brick and paving. The sealant gently enhances the colour of your stone whilst protecting against staining by repelling water, oil and grease. LTP have developed the product to be environmentally safer and low odour.

LTP Crackle Glaze Protector

Crackle glaze tiles are seeing an increase in popularity at the moment, and to keep them looking great they need to be properly sealed and looked after. The cracks in the glaze mean these tiles can be more porous and therefore prone to staining. LTP Crackle Glaze Protector creates a clear, colourless barrier against common household contaminants including water, oil, dirt, grease and limescale. It can also be used to protect the tiles from staining when using coloured grouts.

LTP Clean and Seal Packs

Tile Fix Direct offers a range of kits from LTP that include everything you need to clean and seal your tiles. Each kit contains a range of cleaners, sealers and after care products as well as sealant applicator pads, holders and handles. Browse the selection of LTP cleaning and sealing kits online.

See the full range of LTP products available to order online from Tile Fix Direct.

In 1953 German manufacturer Glaubrecht Stingel began producing a new cleaning product called ST57 KUKÜ; not a very catchy name but it did pave the way for a full range of tile cleaning and sealing products. By 1961 the company had to relocate to a larger premises due to expansion and demand, as their products were being used by customers across Europe. In 1974 Stingel’s son, having completed a degree in chemistry, took over the firm and eventually rebranded the products under the Lithofin name.

Now one of the leading suppliers of products for cleaning, protecting and maintaining ceramics, natural and artificial stone, Lithofin is synonymous with specialist products that define the industry standard.

Lithofin In Focus

Unite research, development, production and warehousing under one roof

Safety and environmental concerns are at the heart of their business

Lithofin Products on Tile Fix Direct

Lithofin Stainstop Plus

Stainstop Plus is colour intensifier and impregnator suitable for use on ceramic tiles, natural stone and concrete stone. Oil repellent agents will prevent water spots and stains on your tiled floor, whilst enhancing their natural colour. Particularly suited to rough surfaces, the product is ready to use and provides a matt finish both indoors and out.

Lithofin Grout Protector

Lithofin Grout Protector prevents stains on the grout joints from dirt, grease or mould by impregnating it and reducing the porosity. It protects and seals ceramic, porcelain, and quarry tile grout joints, and can be used for kitchen and bathroom walls and floors.

Lithofin Multi-Seal

Lithofin Multi-Seal is a water based sealant suitable for rough honed stone and terracotta surfaces. Once applied, Multi-Seal produces a resistant satin finish, which strengthens the colour of the surface material and makes it stain resistant. This makes maintenance much quicker and easier, particularly as it also creates a scuff resistant surface.

A leading name in the tile adhesive and grout industry, BAL has over 40 years of experience, which helps a lot in their development of new products. The company began its life as a development centre for the British ceramic tile industry and is now a subsidiary of German-based Ardex.

BAL In Focus

Founded in 1962

Based in Stoke on Trent

Supply a range of tile adhesives, grouts and preparation products made from recycled tyres and glass

In partnership with environmental charity Cool Earth

Offer a range of online and practical courses for apprentices and experienced tilers

BAL Products on Tile Fix Direct

Tile Fix Direct stocks a wide range of BAL products, from grout and tile adhesive to full waterproofing kits.

Waterproofing Kit

The BAL WP1 waterproofing kit contains everything you need to tank a room – including showers, bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens and utility rooms. It contains acrylic based flexible WP1 Tanking Coating, WP1 Polyester Tape, WP1 Polyester Matting, and APD Acrylic Primer. The kit will cover 4.5m2 when used on concrete, brick, timber floors, plasterboard, plywood, cement and suspended floors. It can also be used on areas where movement may occur such as drainage channels and junctions between walls and floors.

White Star Plus

BAL White Star Plus is a non-slip, water-resistant, ready-mixed tile adhesive for walls. It is suitable for fixing ceramic tiles, mosaics, porcelain tiles and some natural stone tiles in both commercial and domestic interiors due to BAL’s Fibre Strength Technology.

Rapid-Mat

BAL Rapid-Mat is a new uncoupling system for use with problematic surfaces. It can be used on substrates like timber, new screeds and underfloor heating systems, creating a layer between the flooring and the tiles. This protects the tiles from damage from any cracks or movement of the substrate, and it comes with a 25 year guarantee!

See the Tile Fix Direct website for the full range of BAL Adhesives products available.